What's New

I recently attended the annual American Academy of Dermatology meeting in San Diego.  About 10,000 dermatologists from around the world attended the meeting, where the newest technologies in dermatology were presented.  I love these meetings: not only do I get to see old friends, but I stay up to date on the latest and greatest in my field.  So what's new on the horizon?

New injectables:
You've probably heard of facial contouring with fat, as well as injectables like Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Sculptra.  Well, now there's a new player on the field - and it's completely unique.  Laviv (azficel-T) is the first and only FDA-approved therapy that uses your own collagen-producing cells (fibroblasts) to improve the look of smile lines.  How does it work?  The dermatologist takes three small samples of skin from behind the ear.  The skin samples are then sent to a laboratory, where fibroblast cells (cells that make collagen in the skin) are expanded to create your Laviv.  Three months later, it is sent back to the dermatologist, who injects Laviv over three treatment sessions.  South Beach Dermatology is a Laviv certified facility.  Check out http://www.mylaviv.com/getting-laviv.aspx for more info. 

New fat fighting treatment:
It's an age old battle: man (woman) versus fat.  There's liposuction, laser-assisted liposuction, cryolipolysis (using cold to destroy fat), and now: Liposonix.  Liposonix is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that uses high frequency focused ultrasound (HIFU) to destory fat cells.  There are no incisions or needles.  It's performed in the office as a one hour treatment to the abdomen and love handles.  Results typically take about 8-12 weeks, and on average, an one inch reduction is seen from the waist area.  Liposonix will be available at Horwitz Dermatology next month.  Check out http://www.liposonix.com/ for more info.

New product:
CeraVe SA Renewing Lotion combines the great moisturizing (ceramides, hyaluronic acid) power of CeraVe with salicylic acid.  It's great for keratosis pilaris: those rough bumps on the back of the arms.  Dry, thick, cracked heels?  Try this out!

I love sharing the newest treatments in derm with all of you.  Stay tuned for more!